Tall stories and long threads in National Parks’ Week

National Parks’ Week got off to a great start with Spinning a Yarn Day on Exmoor last Saturday.

Anne Weaver from the National Park Centre in Dulverton said: “Some children were so keen that they arrived up to 20 minutes before the start of the story telling and they really enjoyed it.”In addition to the wonderful singing and stories which captivated the audience of all ages, Sugan chair expert John was surrounded by young helpers keen to learn how to weave fibre on the seats.

In the Combe Martin, Dunster and Blackmoor Gate National Park Centre visitors learnt more about the art of spinning with live demonstrations from experts and the opportunity to ask questions about the process. Up at the County Gate National Park Centre Dennis Corner spun a few yarns of his experiences of Exmoor to visitors. Staff led themed walks based on the local area including the Romans at Old Burrow and Lorna Doone. Porlock Visitor Centre held a coffee morning and afternoon story telling sessions.

Other events taking place throughout the week include a seaside discovery, a hedge-themed walk, easy access stroll, boat trip, a walk at dusk, a short stroll, and longer walks.

National Parks’ Week concludes on Friday 28th July with three events. The first is a ten mile walk titled Challacombe Cross Country at 10:30am which starts opposite the Post Office (SS694411) and lasts for 6 hours. £5 per person, under 16’s (must be accompanied by an adult) and full time students go free. At 2pm there is an opportunity to enjoy some family fun for 2 hours on ‘Hide and seek the Exmoor Beast’ which takes place at Nutcombe Bottom (SS977423). £1 per person regardless of age.

To finish the day why not join a free ‘Nightjar Evening in the Forest’ at 7:30pm with a Forestry Commission Forest Ranger near Luxborough? To book on to this 3 hour event contact the Dulverton National Park Centre on 01398 323841. You will need to bring binoculars and a torch but please leave your dogs at home.